What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate how the Flavian dynasty reconstructed their memory and legitimacy after the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

January 25, 2026Open Access

Damnatio memoriae aeterna est? Reconstructing Lost Memories of the Flavian Dynasty in Early Imperial Rome

Key Points

To investigate how the Flavian dynasty reconstructed their memory and legitimacy after the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
Analysis of architectural projects initiated by the Flavians.
Examination of spatial relationships in construction compared to Nero's designs.
Comparison of multisensory experiences provided by both dynasties' buildings.
Flavian architectural programs outperformed Nero's in scale and design.
Emphasis was placed on reinforcing traditional Roman hierarchies in new constructions.
The Flavians effectively used their building projects to redefine public memory of Nero.

Abstract

In 68 CE, the Roman Senate condemned Nero's memory (damnatio memoriae) and theJulio-Claudian dynasty came to an end. When the Flavians rose to power the following year, theywere faced with the immense undertaking of legitimizing their reign. Instead of undermining thecredibility of the Julio-Claudians as a whole, they capitalized on Nero's damnatio and began tosystematically counter his building projects. The Flavians' building program surpassed Nero'sthrough the combined emphasis on spatial relationships, multisensory experiences, andarchitectural design that reinforced traditional Roman hierarchies.

Read Full Paperexternally

AIに質問

Bookmark

View Full Paper